I would be hesitant to put any money into a property during a redemption period as you would put your capital at risk if the property is redeemed or the sale is successfully challenged.Once the redemption period passes and the county issues the deed directly to you it would be safer to begin any renovations. 

One maintenance person can stop by 4 properties in one day to take care of issues.

In my market, because so many class A MF units got built we are having a major issue renting them if they are outdated by even 10 years. 

And it's actually pretty flexible (other than some timing and documentation issues).  

Sounds like a lot of the issues are related to proper communication from BOTH sides,

I self manage my units, which I love doing, and therefore my tenants have my phone number for when there is an issue.

While it works like a charm with Airbnb I have a really hard time getting it to work with VRBO.Has anyone had a similar issue?

They also manage the property for you and deal with tenant issues awards.

I have found in my limited experience that I can work through the other issues, if the PM is doing their job and keeping their units occupied most of the time at market rents. 

Closing in late May so timing is a bit of an issue.